“Stay true to yourself, don’t let others influence you, and cultivate unwavering confidence in your abilities!”
William de Rham is born in Lausanne in 1922, the eldest of five siblings. He grows up opposite the La Source clinic in the heart of the city. His school days have a lasting impact on him: both his years in Pully, where he admits he does not particularly excel, and his years at the École Nouvelle in Chailly, where he discovers a teaching method focused on practical application and personal responsibility. On his way to school every morning, he meets General Guisan on the tram, a discreet but significant encounter that would influence his later military career.
At the age of 15, he becomes enthusiastic about horse riding. This passion would accompany him throughout his life, and he rides every day. He takes part in competitions and joins the cavalry. In 1956, he even competes in the Olympic Games in Stockholm, representing Switzerland with his horse Va Vite.
William de Rham begins his professional career by studying commerce and then serves four years as an officer in the army. His family has meanwhile moved to the countryside, where he acquires a wide range of skills: he learns carpentry, how to care for animals, and develops a deep love of nature. These experiences shaped the rest of his life. After completing his military service, he joins the family business, de Rham Immobilier, where he quickly settles in thanks to his supportive colleagues. He gradually takes on more responsibility until he succeeds his father in 1960. He runs the company until 1990. William de Rham remains connected to the family business until old age. He therefore continues to be involved in the management of the company. He never really retires, as he always remains involved in the management of the family business. First, he accompanies his children, then later his grandchildren in the management of the family business, thus ensuring the continuation of the tradition.
The story of his marriage, happy circumstances or fate? A delayed ship departure to America gives William de Rham the opportunity to spend more time with a young Dutch woman who is staying with his parents. The two had already met as children on holiday, and now the spark ignites. The relationship is maintained for a year through correspondence. Four years later, in 1949, they marry and raise four children together on the historic family estate. Until his wife’s death in 2023, they share a long life full of happiness and harmony.
At the age of 102, William de Rham speaks modestly about his longevity. He is convinced that horse riding has contributed to his vitality – he remained in the saddle until the age of 85. He also attributes his advanced age to a healthy diet, his caring wife and his optimism, which continues to sustain him to this day.